The Brown Rice Cleanse

You can see why white rice is so popular - its cheaper, cooks faster and is fluffier than the brown variety.

Sadly this means that most people miss out on brown rice - a real powerhouse food that actually has double the fiber of white rice!

Brown rice is not just nutritionally great for your body though - it also acts as a powerful cleanser with a similar effect to Psyllium husk. This is a high fiber 7 day cleanse that is very easy to follow.

Why does brown rice contain so much more fiber than white rice? The key is in the way its produced.

The milling of brown rice only removes the hull (the outer layer), which is not edible. The rest of the grain is left intact. The production of white rice, however, involves milling to remove the bran and almost all of the germ layer.

These extra processes destroy most of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber contained in the grain. White rice also has an extremely high Glycemic Index, which can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and contribute to weight gain. Conversely, the brown rice grain also contains B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and selenium.

How does the Brown Rice Cleanse work?

Brown rice contains a high amount of fiber which is excellent for cleansing the colon. In your intestine it acts like a pipecleaner, grabbing nasty toxins like pollutants, chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals on its way through.

For the cleanse to work you must use organic brown rice, cooked very thoroughly to make it easier to digest. Soak the rice for for at least 25-30 minutes, overnight if you can, to really soften the bran layer on the rice grain.

Diet

This is a very high fiber diet, with considerable flexibility on what you eat as long as you stick to the correct fruits, vegetables and brown rice. Stick to it for 7 days and you'll get some great results.

There are no specific restrictions on portion sizes, but try to eat only until you feel 80% full. Chewing the rice slowly will help as this slows down the eating process and allows your body to tell you that you are full.

• Fresh fruits, except banana.
• Herbs and spices such as garlic, chili peppers, cilantro, ginger, parley, onions.
• A small amount of extra virgin olive oil or flaxseed oil can be used with the veggies and rice.
• Freshly squeezed juices, hot lemon tea with ginger, fresh mint tea, uncaffeinated herbal teas.
• Fresh vegetables, except corn and mushrooms. They can be eaten raw, lightly steamed or oven baked. No frozen or canned food is allowed.

Example Menu

Breakfast
As much fruit ( except banana) and freshly squeezed juice as you like until lunch

Lunch
Lightly steamed veggies ( except corn and mushrooms)
Brown rice

Snack
Raw veggie sticks or fresh fruit

Dinner
Lightly steamed veggies ( except corn and mushrooms)
Brown rice

Snack
Raw veggie sticks or fresh fruit
Unlimited allowed beverages

Brown Rice Recipe Ideas

Brown Rice with Apple, Celery & Tomato

Ingredients:
2 Cups Brown Rice
1 Celery Stalk
10 Cherry Tomatoes
1 Apple
Half a Squeezed Lemon

Cook rice then mix with chopped tomatoes, apple and celery in a large bowl. Squeeze on the lemon and add sea salt to taste.

Brown Rice with Tomato & Avocado

Ingredients:
2 Cups Brown Rice
15 Cherry Tomatoes
1 Avocado
A Few Sprigs of Cilantro
2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Half a Squeezed Lemon

Cook brown rice as directed. Mix all ingredients together, then season to taste and serve on a flat plate. This should serve 2 people.